Fishing season is upon us here in Lake Charles, Louisiana and if you’re a boater, you want to make sure that your watercraft is ready for the adventure. Maintenance and repair are essential for any boat owner, but especially those of us who plan on fishing this season. Let’s review some maintenance tips that will help you get the most out of your fishing trips.

Cleaning & Waxing Your Boat
A clean boat looks much better than one covered in dirt and grime. Having a clean boat also ensures that all surfaces are clear of dirt and debris, reducing wear and tear on your craft over time. Before taking your boat out on the lake, it’s important to give it a thorough cleaning with soap and water to remove any build-up from the previous season. After you’ve finished cleaning, waxing your boat will provide protection against wear and tear during the fishing season.

Checking Your Motor & Fuel System
Whether you have an inboard or outboard motor, it’s important to take care of it before each fishing trip so it can perform at its best. This includes performing regular maintenance like changing oil filters and spark plugs as well as checking fuel lines for potential leaks or blockages. If you haven’t done these tasks in a while, now is the time to do them! Also, check the fuel level before each trip so you don’t run out unexpectedly when you need the power most.  

Inspecting Safety Equipment & Accessories
Finally, inspecting safety equipment should be a top priority before heading out on the water. This includes life jackets (for everyone onboard), fire extinguishers, first aid kits, flares/signal devices, and any accessories like anchors or trolling motors that may need repair or replacement after being exposed to saltwater conditions over time. Ensure all these items are onboard before every trip so everyone can stay safe no matter what happens on the lake!  

Fishing season is here, and now is the perfect time to prepare your watercraft for fun times! From cleaning and waxing your boat to inspecting safety equipment, plenty of maintenance tips can help prepare your vessel for all types of lake adventures. By following these simple steps now, you can ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable time while fishing in Lake Charles this summer!  Happy Boating!